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Smith cleared for action by All Blacks

James Mortimer 15 Nov 2012 Getty Images

All Blacks and Highlanders back Ben Smith has been cleared for action by the World Champions' medical teams, after a black eye turned out to be a fractured cheek bone, potentially putting the rest of his Air New Zealand European Tour in doubt.

Smith will likely miss Sunday’s (NZT) Test against Italy in Rome, but could be a late call up in Rome, and will be available for selection for the All Blacks third test against Wales.

He will return to training in the coming days.

The Highlanders utility has plenty of experience in the outside backs, but started at centre against Scotland last weekend, and there is a view that the silky back could be a potential heir for the All Blacks midfield.

The news is not so positive for Tamati Ellison, whose injured foot ligaments are still causing him issues.

The All Blacks will make a decision on whether or not to fly in a replacement for the Highlanders back, who started at second five-eighth against Scotland in the first Test.